Effects On The Body
Dealing with a drug addiction not only causes a mental addiction for the individual who is on the drug, but it can also manifest into emotional and physical symptoms that can be extremely debilitating and oftentimes overwhelming. Struggling with a drug addiction does not have to mean your life is over, as there are different treatment options available that are both in and outpatient depending on the severity of your own personal situation. When you understand the various effects drugs can have on different parts of the body it becomes much easier to make the decision to move forward to seek the help you need to rid them from your life altogether.
Drug Effects on the Brain
Once drugs begin to enter the body’s bloodstream they enter various parts of the body on their way to the brain. The faster the drug is able to reach the brain, the more intense the effects are of the drug on the user. One of the quickest and most dangerous methods of feeling the effects of drugs nearly instantaneously is by injecting the drug directly into the vein. Additionally, smoking a drug, sniffing and snorting it are also methods that are some of the fastest ways to feel the effects of various drugs. Drinking or eating a drug is often the slowest method of feeling the effects of it, although they can often feel stronger and last longer overall.
After the drug has reached its destination in the brain it begins to affect various chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters essentially send messages throughout the brain and alter moods and feelings felt throughout each day. Some drugs such as ecstasy have the power to reduce the amount of specific neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin, which can ultimately lead to anxiety and depression.
Drug Effects on the Heart
Different drugs have a variety of effects on the heart and the blood stream depending on the dosage that is taken and the method used to take the drug. Alcohol has the ability to weaken the overall capability of
the heart when pumping blood, which can ultimately lead to heart failure.
Additionally, regularly taking drugs such as amphetamine, cocaine/crack, steroids, ecstasy and even caffeine can increase the possibility of experiencing a heart attack. Stimulants raise blood pressure and can often put too much stress on the user’s heart when being used regularly over time.
If a user already has issues with blood pressure the use of stimulants can contribute to poor health, leading to potentially fatal medical situations. It is also known that heavy tobacco use often leads to heart attacks and a greater risk of various heart diseases and potential strokes. When a user inhales nicotine it immediately increase the overall workload necessary for the heart. The nicotine also provides carbon monoxide, depriving the heart of much-needed oxygen, leading to even more stress on the heart. Smokers and drug users who are prone to heart disease or at risk for a heart attack or stroke should avoid using any type of drugs including cigarettes and alcohol to greatly reduce your risk of an attack or disease.
Drug Effects on the Lungs
The lungs in the body help to immediately delivery oxygen to the brain to help keep us alive. Because the lungs are so necessary for our brains to function, smoking and inhaling drugs of any kind help to quickly deliver a high and the side effects of any substance being taken.
When smoking tobacco there is a risk of building up tar within the lungs, ultimately damaging the lung walls and the brocnhils. Cigarettes and tobacco are the number one contributors to lung cancer developing in
patients of all ages. Over time, many habitual smokers tend to develop a chronic cough regardless of the substance they are smoking, especially if they are doing so regularly.
Although smoking can damage the lungs, there is truly no safe way to take drugs, especially illegal drugs or prescription medication that is not prescribed to you personally for a legitimate purpose.
Effects on the Liver
Because the liver helps to protect the body by breaking down the chemical structure of drugs and eliminating alcohol from the body, hard use of drugs and alcohol over time can permanently damage the organ, leading to cirrhosis of the liver.
Getting Help
There are different inpatient rehabilitation programs available if you want to get help or if you are seeking an option for a loved one in your own life. Enrolling in an inpatient program rehab for individuals addicted to alcohol or drugs can help you to get the control you need over your life to begin living happily and drug-free.
Benefits of Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers
Enrolling in an inpatient rehabilitation center is a great way to begin making healthy and positive choices in your life without the use of any drugs or substances including alcohol. Rehabilitation centers with inpatient programs often provide both one on one counseling as well as group therapy sessions to help with getting to know others who are also struggling with an addiction of their own.
There are often programs included within rehab facilities that help you to find new interests and hobbies to keep your focus away from drugs. Learning how to take control of your mind and the choices you make is also possible when you enroll in a rehabilitation program that is inpatient.
Additionally, enrolling an inpatient facility for rehab of alcohol and drugs also gives you access to medical professionals and those trained to help others who have found themselves addicted to any type of substances. Whether you have been abusing prescription painkillers, alcohol or even illegal street drugs it is possible to find the help and support you need by enrolling in an inpatient rehabilitation center.
The more you know about the various effects that drugs have on the body, the easier it is to be prepared and well-equipped with any potential battle of addiction you or a love one may be facing.
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